August 13, 2024

The Research and Evidence Behind Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Therapy

Patients who have experienced a brain injury or other neurological insult often suffer from debilitating visual symptoms that make it difficult or even impossible for them to read, drive, and, in some instances, even walk…
Posted by
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

Patients who have experienced a brain injury or other neurological insult often suffer from debilitating visual symptoms that make it difficult or even impossible for them to read, drive, and, in some instances, even walk without assistance. Research has shown that neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy is a safe and effective way to help these patients regain function.

Below, we briefly explain what neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy is and why it’s a respected and well-founded avenue of treatment.

What Is Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Therapy?

Neuro-optometry is a subspecialty of optometry that helps patients with neurological dysfunctions regain several of the visual and oculomotor skills needed for daily living. The goal of neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy is to increase a patient’s independent functioning in a multisensory environment.

A neuro-optometrist is trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of visual and perceptual disorders, including but not limited to:

  • Double vision
  • Acquired strabismus
  • Binocular vision dysfunction
  • Convergence or accommodation problems
  • Visual perception deficits
  • Nystagmus
  • Traumatic visual acuity loss

Neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy is suitable for patients of all ages who’ve survived a stroke, have a systemic neurological condition, or sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) of any degree.

Research Supporting the Effectiveness of Neuro-Optometry

Organizations like the American Optometric Association, the College of Optometrists in Vision Development and the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association all provide helpful information about the benefits of neuro-optometry.

Medical professionals of other specialties also recognize the importance of neuro-optometric rehabilitation and regularly refer patients for treatment. This is due to well-documented positive outcomes that patients experience after undergoing a personalized neuro-optometric rehabilitation program. Below are a few examples.

  • A small-scale study published in the Journal of Optometry (2018) found that 100% of the participants experienced improved eye movement following nearly 10 hours of neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy.
  • A 2019 study published in the journal Disability and Rehabilitation examined the medical records of more than 3,000 patients who sustained a mild brain injury and underwent neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy. The researchers concluded that this form of visual rehabilitation is a ‘promising intervention’ and that all patients who suffer from a brain injury should have their vision evaluated by a neuro-optometrist or other vision professional.
  • In 2017, the Journal of the American Academy of Optometry published a study concluding that visual rehabilitation for post-concussion patients was successful in the vast majority of the 218 cases examined. Some visual problems that were addressed included convergence insufficiency, accommodative insufficiency, oculomotor problems, eye movement problems and binocular problems.
  • Neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy can also benefit post-TBI patients who have reading-related visual dysfunction. A 2014 study by the journal NeuroRehabilitation found that after just 6 weeks of treatment, patients with mild TBIs had an improved reading rate and a decrease in visual symptoms.
  • The journal Acquired Brain Injury (2019) published an article that thoroughly explains the importance of neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy for patients who have visual symptoms related to TBI’s, autoimmune disease, viral infections and vestibular dysfunctions.

If you or a loved one has sustained a brain injury or has any neurological condition that impacts vision and ability to function, a neuro-optometrist may be able to help. Some patients are referred to a neuro-optometrist as a last resort after seeing little to no results from other forms of therapy.

Neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy should be a first stop and not a last resort. To schedule a functional visual evaluation, call Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy today.

Our practice serves patients from Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan, and Vancouver Island, British Columbia and surrounding communities.

REFERENCES

Share
Our Victoria Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
200-775 Topaz Ave
Victoria, BC V8T 4Z7
Phone
(250) 590-7384
Fax
250-412-6459
Email
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
  • Monday:
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Thursday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Friday:
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Saturday:
    8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Sunday:
    Closed
Rating
5.0
Out of 265 Reviews
Our Nanaimo Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
205-1825 Bowen Rd
Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1
Phone
(250) 591-0270
Fax
250-412-6459
Email
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
  • Monday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Thursday:
    11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Friday:
    9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Saturday:
    Closed
  • Sunday:
    Closed
Rating
4.9
Out of 59 Reviews

You Ask, We'll Answer

Educating you so you can make informed decisions

View More Resources
Want to ask a different question? Contact us here
  • What is Neuro-Optometry?

    Neuro-Optometry focuses on the intricate connection between your visual system and the brain, extending beyond traditional eye care to assess functional vision. This branch of optometry examines how your eyes track, move, coordinate, and how your brain processes depth, motion, and balance. Disruptions in these functions can lead to a range of issues including headaches, migraines, dizziness, balance challenges, post-concussion symptoms, reading difficulties, and attention deficits (ADHD). By exploring these functional areas, we also identify opportunities to enhance performance in activities such as sports, reading speed, and cognitive processes.

  • What is Vision Therapy?

    At Opto-Mization, vision therapy is a specialized, personalized program aimed at improving visual skills and abilities. It goes beyond traditional vision therapy to help improve how the eyes and brain work together, addressing visual-motor and perceptual-cognitive challenges to enhance overall visual function. It’s more than just exercises; it’s a pathway to better vision and improved daily life.

  • Do you Provide Regular Eye Exams and General Optometric Services?

    Yes, alongside vision therapy and neuro-optometry, we offer comprehensive eye exams and general optometry services. Our experienced optometrists perform thorough eye exams to evaluate overall eye health, identify any eye conditions or diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses when beneficial.

  • Who is the Ideal Candidate for Vision Therapy and Neuro-Optometry?

    Vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation can help individuals of all ages. Whether you’re struggling with visual processing issues, binocular vision disorders, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), or have sustained a brain injury, our services might be beneficial for you. Contact us to discuss if our tailored approach can meet your specific needs and goals.

  • Do I Need a Referral to See an Optometrist at Opto-Mization?

    No, you do not need a referral for an eye exam at Opto-Mization. We welcome anyone who suspects they might benefit from our services, whether you’re experiencing symptoms of visual discomfort or just want to ensure optimal visual performance. Feel free to reach out and schedule your appointment directly with us to take the first step toward understanding and improving your visual function.

  • Do You Direct Bill Insurance?

    Yes, we offer direct billing for a variety of insurance plans to make the process as seamless and hassle-free as possible for our patients. Our knowledgeable staff is well-versed in working with insurance providers, ensuring that you can maximize your benefits while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for our services, including vision therapy and eye exams.